Diversifying Tech Conferences

After all the intense discussions about the lack of women represented as keynotes at major technology conferences, I'm heartened by what I've seen most recently at important industry events such as Blogworld Expo and 140 Character Conference. While I'm sure we'll never achieve the "perfect mix" of sex and race, clearly just a little extra effort on the parts of event organizers can make all the difference in the world.

Smart conference organizers are taking notice of the mix of speakers they book, and perhaps the online and offline discussions about the lack of females is in the backs of their minds. I know from casual conversations with the Blogworld Expo organizers that the concept was actually front of mind, and it shows. And knowing what a mensch Jeff Pulver is, I'm certain that he is incredibly welcoming to a very diverse selection of speakers - they just need to put themselves out there and let him know they are interested in speaking.

Having recently attended the Blogalicious Weekend blogging conference for women of color in Atlanta, I heard an important concept articulated - something that was never in my own point of reference. One of the speakers said that women of color are "Double Outsiders." She talked about three "levels" of influence and put them in this order:

1. White men (and more and more I'd add Asian American men who get pretty good representation at the top in tech)

2. White women and black men

3. Women of color

Since we all view everything in the world through our own personal lenses, and I admit I view much of the world under my lens of "female," I also have to admit I wasn't noticing the dearth of women of color at tech events. For being so keenly aware of the female quotient, I was still neglecting my sisters of color. Speaking recently with Shireen of Digital Sistas, this "outside" layer of women still struggling to get representation floored me. How could I have forgotten this?

To help encourage an increased diversity at major tech conferences, we should continue to have these conversations but not in accusatory ways, not pointing fingers of blame. Instead, we should celebrate when conference organizers get it right or at least make a great attempt.

When we see a particularly good example of keynote or panel diversity, we should call it out and praise it like C.C. Chapman did at Blogworld Expo:

If we're one of the "lucky" ones who get to speak at these conferences, we should take a moment to see who else is on the roster, and if we aren't seeing diversity, we should offer to introduce the event organizer to our diverse contacts.

It's easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Celebrate diversity represented at tech events;

2. Make introductions between tech event organizers and your diverse contacts;

3. Praise the events that change their speaker landscape.

Rinse. Repeat.

What are YOU doing to encourage more keynote and session diversity at tech events?

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Comments

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Aliza, excellent, just excellent. I'd suggest that we also need to point to women who speak and present well that _should_ be asked to speak/keynote at tech events. How many presentations do we hear internally, at local associations or other venues that are given by women that could be presenting on that same topic at a conference?